Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

Statutory notification

Public health management

Important information

  • Infectious agent: Self replicating host-coded protein or prion protein.
  • Transmission: Mode of transmission for classical form is unknown but possibly due to de novo spontaneous generation. Has been transmitted by contaminated neurosurgical instruments or administration of pituitary hormone therapy, dura mater grafts, corneal grafts derived from infected individuals. Mode of transmission for variant form is thought to be due to consumption of infected meat.
  • Incubation period: 15 months to more than 30 years
  • Infectious period: Possibly infectious early in incubation period.
  • Case exclusion: Do not exclude.
  • Contact exclusion: Do not exclude.
  • Treatment: No specific treatment.
  • Immunisation: None available.
  • Case follow-up: Is conducted by the Communicable Disease Control Directorate.

Guidelines

Notifiable disease data and reports

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Public Health